*Candidates to talk about education*Forum focus will be at-risk children*Leaf collection under way in Dallas*M-I yard debris dropoff day planned

INDEPENDENCE -- A public forum on education featuring four candidates for state office will be held tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 27) at 7 p.m. at the Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

State Representative District 20 candidates Vicki Berger and Mike Powers, as well as State Senate District 10 candidates Jackie Pierce and Jackie Winters, will each give a short presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

For more information: Rebecca Ralston, 503-949-5401.

Forum focus will be at-risk children

MONMOUTH -- United Communities Against Meth (UCAM) will host a presentation on Thursday, Oct. 28, that will focus on intervention tactics for at-risk foster children.

The event, titled "My Amazing Me," will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Werner University Center on the Western Oregon University campus in Monmouth. There is no cost to attend.

The program is an offshoot of UCAM's previous anti-methamphetamine forums held during the past several years.

"My Amazing Me" is being planned in conjunction with WOU and the Polk County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The evening's guest speaker will be Chris Olson, Polk CASA director.

For more information: 503-949-8751 or 503-623-9268.

Leaf collection under way in Dallas

DALLAS -- City crews will be collecting leaves on Dallas streets through Dec. 15. Crews will be sweeping the streets twice between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15, according to a city press release.

For estimated dates when the crews will be in your area, check the city of Dallas website at www.ci.dallas.or.us.

To help collection crews, follow these guidelines: Rake leaves into the street in small piles at least 18 inches from the curb; avoid blocking the roadway and keep piles away from storm drains; and don't place trimmings, brush, grass or other debris in the street.

People also may drop off their leaves at the following locations in town: the gravel lot west of the ball fields at Lyle Elementary School; the parking lot at the end of Allgood Street at Dallas City Park; and the far east end of Hankel Street in front of the barricade.

Leaves also may be placed in yard debris bins and collected with regular garbage service.

M-I yard debris dropoff day planned

MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- The cities of Monmouth and Independence are hosting a free yard debris dropoff day Saturday, Oct. 30.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and debris can be dropped off at Marr Bros. Bark Dust, 875 S. Pacific Highway (99W), Monmouth.

Any clean yard debris from residents in Monmouth and Independence will be accepted.